The melodica is a free-reed instrument similar to the Accordion and Harmonica. It has a Musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a Mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. Pressing a key opens a hole, allowing air to flow through a reed. The keyboard is usually two or three octaves long.
Tenor melodicas are the most common type of melodica. The left hand holds a handle on the bottom, and the right hand plays the keyboard. Tenor melodicas can be played with two hands by inserting a tube into the mouthpiece hole and placing the melodica on a flat surface.
Soprano melodicas are thinner than tenors and are designed to be played with both hands at once; the left hand plays the black keys, and the right hand plays the white keys.
Popular melodica manufacturers include Hohner, Samick, and Bestler.
Augustus Pablo popularized the use of the melodica in reggae music.
The rock band R.E.M. featured melodicas in songs Find the River and Boy in the Well. The latter included a melodica solo.
British animated band Gorillaz uses the melodica frequently, specifically in their self-titled debut album, in which the instrument is featured in the popular singles Clint Eastwood, and Tomorrow Comes Today.
The band Faith No More uses this instrument as well. It is played by Mike Patton, the vocalist, during the songs "Midnight Cowboy" and "This Guy's In Love With You".